2010 FIFA World Cup: Why Wayne Rooney May Or May Not Win The Golden Boot

This past season has seen Wayne Rooney lifted from an underachieving hothead to a much more mature striker who is listed with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as one of the best players in the world.

Rooney scored a personal best of 34 goals in just 42 games for Manchester United in the 2009-10 season.

Rooney carried the team throughout the season, and now many expect Rooney to carry his club performances to the field for his country. 

Many expect Rooney to compete for the Golden Boot of the tournament based on his goalscoring exploits for his club.

However, there are a few reasons why Rooney may not end up with the award on July 11.

1. Rooney doesn't play as a lone striker

When Rooney scored 34 goals in one season for the Red Devils, he did so as a lone striker. Rooney seemed to work best in a 4-5-1 formation, where there were more midfielders to support him through passes.

He was also good at holding up the ball and waiting for others to come to support him.

Also, the 4-5-1 formation allowed Rooney to play in the box much more. This is because there were more midfielders to control the middle of the pitch, so Rooney didn't have to drop back so much. 

2. Scoring on the national team is much more distributed

Unlike Manchester United this season, scoring on the national team is much more distributed. While Rooney scored 34 goals, the second-highest scorers on the team, Dimitar Berbatov and "Own Goals," only scored 12 goals.

On the national team, the scorers are much more distributed. Rooney may score, but due to the way the team plays, other midfielders and strikers are just as likely to score; even the defenders get their fair share of goals.

Recent friendlies have shown this to be true. Against Egypt, Peter Crouch scored two goals while midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips scored the third.

Against Mexico, Peter Crouch scored once, while defenders Ledley King and Glen Johnson racked up the other two goals. 

3. Rooney plays more behind the scenes for England

Because of the distributed scoring on the national team, Rooney tends to play more behind the scenes for England. 

While others are scoring, Rooney may be involved in the build up much more. Many of Rooney's teammates have credited his goals to his increased selfishness. However, there still remains that bit of unselfishness that tends to pass the ball, rather than shoot.

There are, however, a few reasons why Rooney may compete for the Golden Boot of the FIFA World Cup. 

1. Rooney is more mature

In the past, Rooney let his temper get a hold of him. As a result, his goalscoring suffered because he was more occupied with retaliating at opponents who frustrated him than with scoring. 

Rooney, however, has turned that around recently. His temper is kept in check much more, and he is much more mature on the field. 

Many attribute this to his marriage and the birth of his son Kai.

2. Capello may still play with a 4-5-1

There have been reports recently emerging that Fabio Capello might use a 4-5-1, with Rooney playing as a lone striker and Steven Gerrard supporting him.

This may be especially beneficial to Rooney, as not only is he allowed to play in the box more, but also the creativity of Gerrard will probably give Rooney many more chances to score.

3. Fabio Capello has been known to bring the best out of his players

Capello's disciplinary approach to coaching has allowed him to bring the best out of his players—and that includes Rooney.

In qualifying, Rooney scored nine goals, which was the second-highest tally in Europe. Not only that, but Capello will look to keep all media distractions away from the team, as England go on the hunt for a second World Cup title.

4. It's Rooney's time to shine

Wayne Rooney has never scored in a FIFA World Cup before. He has helped his club to titles on the domestic and European fronts, but he has achieved nothing of great significance for his country.

This World Cup gives Rooney a chance to cement his status as one of the best players in the world. If taken, this chance may help Rooney beat Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to the title of best player in the world. 

There are plenty of different perspectives one can take when predicting how a certain player will fare in tournaments. 

For Rooney, the future seems bright. He may not be the top scorer at this World Cup, but he probably will take the chance being offered at being the best in the world. 

While Rooney may not carry the scoring load, he will most definitely help his country to great things in South Africa.